23 Asian-inspired meals with weeknight-friendly steps

Weeknights can feel nonstop, and these Asian-inspired meals are built for moments when you want dinner to come together without dragging on. I love recipes like this because they rely on familiar ingredients, smart shortcuts, and flavors that keep things interesting without turning cooking into a project. This collection is all about helping you get a solid meal on the table that feels intentional, even on your busiest days.

A bowl of white rice topped with glazed salmon, sliced cucumbers, corn, tomato wedges, and a drizzle of orange sauce, with chopsticks picking up a piece of salmon.

Want to save this post?

Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you the latest recipes and tips every week!

Ground Pork Stir Fry

A plate with ground pork and vegetables on top of cauliflower rice. — Ground Pork Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This dish comes together quickly, making it a strong option for busy evenings when dinner needs to move fast. It works well for Asian-style meals thanks to familiar flavors that pair easily with rice or noodles. The prep stays simple with basic ingredients and minimal cleanup. It fits neatly into a casual dinner plan without feeling rushed.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

Bang Bang Shrimp

Fried shrimp on a plate next to a bowl of sauce. — Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This recipe suits weeknights when you want something bold without a long cooking window. It leans into popular Asian-inspired flavors that feel at home alongside simple sides. The preparation is straightforward and doesn't require special tools. It works well as a main dish or shared plate for relaxed dinners.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

Teriyaki Noodles

A bowl of stir-fried noodles with vegetables, topped with sesame seeds, placed on a brown cloth napkin. Chopsticks rest on the bowl's edge, and a small dish is visible in the background. — Teriyaki Noodles. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This meal is built for quick assembly and short cooking time, making it practical for evenings with limited energy. The familiar sauce and noodle base keep it aligned with Asian-style dinners. Ingredients are easy to find and come together smoothly. It serves well as a filling main dish or a flexible side.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Noodles

Filipino Leche Flan

Leche flan caramel creme brulee on a plate with a spoon. — Filipino Leche Flan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This dessert is a smart make-ahead choice that fits nicely into Asian-inspired menus. It doesn't require last-minute attention, which helps during busy weeks. The ingredients are simple and the final result stores well. It works best as a chilled dessert served after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Leche Flan

Air Fryer Lumpia

Filipino spring rolls in a basket with dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Lumpia. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Using the air fryer keeps this recipe efficient and cuts down active cooking time. It fits naturally into Asian-inspired meals as a snack or dinner side. The steps are manageable even on tight schedules. Cleanup stays minimal, which helps on weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites

A basket of crispy roasted pork belly chunks garnished with parsley, served in a white paper-lined wicker basket. — Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This recipe keeps things efficient by using the air fryer for consistent results. It pairs well with Asian-style meals thanks to familiar seasoning profiles. The prep stays simple and the cook time is predictable. It works well as a main or a shared plate.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites

Filipino Fruit Salad

A white bowl filled with fruit salad in creamy sauce, topped with green gelatin cubes and maraschino cherries, sits on a white surface. — Filipino Fruit Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This chilled dish works well as a no-cook option during busy weeks. It fits easily into Asian-inspired spreads as a sweet side or dessert. Preparation is quick and can be done ahead of time. It stores well, making planning easier.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Fruit Salad

Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

Bowl of black pepper chicken with chop sticks. — Chinese Black Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This meal comes together quickly, which helps keep dinner on schedule. The flavor profile fits well with Asian-inspired weeknight meals. Ingredients are straightforward and easy to prep. It works best as a main served with rice.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia

This dessert-style dish fits into Asian-inspired meals as a sweet finish or snack. The preparation is simple and doesn't require advanced planning. Cooking time stays short, making it manageable on busy evenings. It works well for casual family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia

Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Roasted broccoli and tofu cubes garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, served with a wooden spoon. — Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This recipe is designed for quick cooking with minimal steps. It fits naturally into Asian-style meals with familiar pairings like rice or noodles. Prep stays light and doesn't involve complicated techniques. It works well as a simple main dish.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Honey Walnut Shrimp

Plate of crispy chicken pieces with walnuts and green onions, served next to white rice on a patterned cloth with a fork. — Honey Walnut Shrimp. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This dish balances quick cooking with flavors commonly found in Asian-inspired meals. It works well for weeknights when time is limited but dinner still needs structure. The ingredient list stays approachable. It fits easily as a main course with simple sides.
Get the Recipe: Honey Walnut Shrimp

Pancit Bihon Guisado

A fork lifting a portion of chicken and noodles from a bowl of stir-fry. — Pancit Bihon Guisado. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This noodle dish is well-suited for weeknight cooking due to its efficient prep and cook time. It fits seamlessly into Asian-inspired dinners with familiar textures and flavors. The recipe works well for feeding a group without extra effort. It holds up nicely for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Pancit Bihon Guisado

Salmon Bowl

This meal is easy to assemble and works well when dinner needs to be fast. It fits into Asian-style eating with simple sauces and bowl-style serving. Prep stays organized and low-stress. It functions as a complete main meal.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Bowl

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

This dish keeps cooking time short, which helps on busy evenings. The combination fits naturally into Asian-inspired meals served with rice. Ingredients are easy to prep and cook evenly. It works well as a dependable main dish.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Korean Beef and Broccoli

Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry over rice. — Korean Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This recipe is built for efficient cooking without complicated steps. It fits comfortably into Asian-style weeknight dinners. The ingredient list stays familiar and manageable. It pairs well with rice for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef and Broccoli

Ube Pancakes

A stack of three purple pancakes topped with sweet purple paste and white strips, served on a white plate with a red checkered cloth nearby. — Ube Pancakes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These pancakes offer a sweet option that fits into Asian-inspired menus. They cook quickly and work well for evenings when dessert needs to stay simple. The batter comes together without much effort. They serve well as a dessert or special breakfast-for-dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Ube Pancakes

Korean Strawberry Milk

A glass of strawberry milk garnished with a fresh strawberry and mint leaf, set on a white surface. — Korean Strawberry Milk. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This drink works well as a quick treat that doesn't require cooking. It fits naturally into Asian-inspired meals as a sweet beverage. Preparation is fast and easy to manage on busy days. It's best served chilled alongside snacks or dessert.
Get the Recipe: Korean Strawberry Milk

Filipino Spaghetti

A bowl of spaghetti topped with a rich meat sauce placed on a red and white checkered tablecloth. — Filipino Spaghetti. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This dish is designed for straightforward cooking and family-style serving. It fits well into Asian-inspired meals while staying approachable. The recipe works well for weeknights due to predictable timing. It holds up well for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Spaghetti

Ensaladang Mangga

A white plate with a mixed fruit and vegetable salad, including mango, apple, red bell pepper, and onions, garnished with herbs. — Ensaladang Mangga. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This salad is a quick-prep option that doesn't need cooking time. It fits easily into Asian-inspired meals as a side dish. The ingredients are simple and easy to assemble. It works well for balancing heavier mains.
Get the Recipe: Ensaladang Mangga

Asian Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps

A plate of lettuce wraps filled with seasoned minced meat and garnished with herbs, served with lemon wedges on a wooden tray. — Asian Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This recipe keeps prep and cook time short, which helps during busy weeks. It fits well into Asian-style meals with familiar seasoning profiles. Assembly is simple and doesn't feel overwhelming. It works best as a light main dish.
Get the Recipe: Asian Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Filipino Chicken Adobo

Two pieces of braised meat in a dark, rich sauce, seasoned with whole peppercorns and a bay leaf, in a pan. — Filipino Chicken Adobo. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This dish is practical for weeknights because it doesn't require constant attention. It fits naturally into Asian-inspired meals with classic flavor notes. The cooking process is steady and predictable. It works well as a main served with rice.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Chicken Adobo

Chicken Chop Suey

This recipe is built around quick cooking and easy prep. It fits comfortably into Asian-style dinners with flexible serving options. Ingredients are common and easy to manage. It works well as a main dish for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chop Suey

Ube Ice Cream

A close-up of purple ice cream in a bowl, with a spoon scooping out a portion. — Ube Ice Cream. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This dessert works well as a make-ahead option for weeknight meals. It fits naturally into Asian-inspired menus as a cold treat. Preparation doesn't require active cooking at serving time. It stores well and serves easily.
Get the Recipe: Ube Ice Cream

Facebook X Pinterest Flipboard